Jackson in Amador County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Constitution Saloon

Photographed By Douglas Love, GT NSGW, May 19, 2018

1. Constitution Saloon Marker

Inscription. This building was constructed circa 1860 as the Constitution Saloon, making it one of the oldest, permanent buildings in Jackson. First owned by William A. Phoenix, the first sheriff of Amador County, the brick and stone structure survived the devastating fire of ‘62 which consumed much of Jackson. In December 1863, Rogers and Raffo reopened the saloon, and it continued operation as the Constitution Saloon through at least 1913. The Amador Ledger wrote, “it was the social club and political rendezvous of the men who shaped political life of the county.”
The Woman’s Club of Jackson, organized in 1910, purchased the building in 1917 thanks to the generosity of Amador mining mogul William F. Detert. In the 1920’s, they opened the county’s first free public library in this building and used it as their own meeting hall through 1998.
Native Sons of the Golden West, Excelsior Parlor #31 acquired this building in December 1998 and revived it as a social hall for Native Sons.

Erected 2018 by Native Sons of the Golden West. (Marker Number 141-16.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Buildings. In addition, it is included in the Native Sons/Daughters of the Golden West series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1860.

Location.

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38° 20.95′ N, 120° 46.4′ W. Marker is in Jackson, California, in Amador County. Marker is at the intersection of Summit Street and Court Street, on the left when traveling south on Summit Street. The marker is to the left of the front door. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 47 Summit Street, Jackson CA 95642, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. A different marker also named Constitution Saloon (a few steps from this marker); The Court House Well (a few steps from this marker); In Memoriam: The '49ers (a few steps from this marker); Sesquicentennial Court House Site (a few steps from this marker); Excelsior Parlor 31 (within shouting distance of this marker); Law Office (within shouting distance of this marker); S. Harris Clothing Store (within shouting distance of this marker); M Harris Clothing Store (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Jackson.

Constitution Saloon Marker Dedication image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Douglas Love, GT NSGW, May 19, 2018

2. Constitution Saloon Marker Dedication

The marker is covered by the Bear Flag.

<i>Woman Club Bldg. in early days, Jackson, Calif.</i> image. Click for full size.

Jackson Studio, Jackson, Cal. (courtesy of the California State Library), 1922

3. Woman Club Bldg. in early days, Jackson, Calif.

"Shows Women Club Bldg. before being remodeled, formally the Old Constitutional Saloon Blg. Taken during Days of '49, May 22-29, 1922; Mrs. Whipple on left, Mrs. McCoy of Sacramento on right."

Constitution Saloon Building image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Joseph Alvarado, May 18, 2023

4. Constitution Saloon Building

Native Sons of the Golden West
Excelsior Parlor No. 31

Credits. This page was last revised on May 18, 2023. It was originally submitted on June 29, 2021, by James King of San Miguel, California. This page has been viewed 168 times since then and 20 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 29, 2021, by James King of San Miguel, California. 3. submitted on June 29, 2021. 4. submitted on May 18, 2023, by Joseph Alvarado of Livermore, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.